Immigrants hope for African World Cup victory

Amid dilapidated buildings and makeshift stalls selling food and clothes, there is a dusty football field on which African residents can be found most evenings engaged in animated competition.

This is the Marsa Open Centre, a long way from Africa, but with the first ever World Cup on African soil due to kick-off in Johannesburg in less than two weeks, football-loving residents are full of pride that their continent will finally host what is known as ‘the greatest show on earth’.

Jacob Zuma, president of host country South Africa, has declared that his country is hosting the World Cup on behalf of the entire African continent, and this is a sentiment shared by many Marsa residents who spoke to The Sunday Times.

“It’s a World Cup celebration for all Africans; we are proud that the world is recognising Africa as a continent,” said a Ghanaian resident, who believes his country can win and hopes the tournament will improve the image of Africa in the Western world.

“We want all the foreigners who go to the tournament to experience the hospitality of Africa so that they know it is a great continent and we welcome everybody,” he added, echoing Mr Zuma’s hopes that the World Cup can tackle stereotypes and preconceptions about the continent.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Somali Osman Abdulkadir, who, like many Maltese, will be supporting Italy.

“I’m very proud that the World Cup will be held in Africa for the first time. This is not only for Africans but an opportunity for the whole world to come to Africa and see our beautiful land,” Mr Abdulkadir said.

Fellow Somali Ahmed Gama confidently predicted that an African team – Ivory Coast – will win the tournament, although he will be supporting Brazil.

“My dream is to go to South Africa to watch the World Cup and experience this African moment... but I can’t travel,” he said wistfully.

Sudanese Chelsea supporter Ibrahim Abdullal also thinks an African team – either Ivory Coast or Ghana – will win.

“Last year Ghana won the under-20 World Cup. Now African teams are ready to show that we are champions. We don’t fear Brazil, England, Italy or anybody,” said Mr Abdullal, who thinks Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba could be the star of the tournament.

No African team has ever won the World Cup in the tournament’s 80-year history, and this year six teams – Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa and Algeria – are hoping to be the first.

Somali Younes Mohammed Ismael will be cheering on the hosts South Africa and thinks they have a genuine chance of winning.

“The team is improving and it will be incredible for the whole tournament if they succeed,” he said.

The tournament will be screened in two of the centre’s sparsely-furnished ‘restaurants’, and centre coordinator Ahmed Bugri said they are also considering setting up an outside screen for residents to watch the action.

But enthusiasm for the tournament is not shared by all residents, who see it as little more than a distraction from the struggles of daily life.

“Why do you ask us about the World Cup? Why don’t you ask us why we feel that we are dying in here? We like football but there are more important things you should be asking us,” said one resident, who declined to give his name.